STUDY ON GROETH AND SURVIVAL RATES OF AVICENNIA SP. FOR PIONEER PLANTS ON NEWLY FORMED MUDFLATS OF THE PATTANI BAY, SOUTHERN THAILAND

Abstract

Growth and survival rates of Avicennia marina, A. alba and A. officinalis was carried out on newly formed mudflats of the Pattani Bay, southern Thailand. At planting, one year old seedlings from the natural habitat with soil ball on the roots were used. After 18 months, data on growth and survival were analysed. The results showed that the survival rates of A. marina and A. officinalis were 78.33 % and 72.67 % which were higher than that of A. alba (49.00 %). It was also found that the total height for A. marina, A. alba and A. officinalis were 145.44 cm, 117.62, cm and 100.58 cm respectively whereas girth at ground level were 11.93 cm, 10.55 cm, and 7.42 cm respectively. The species of A. marina appeared to adapt very well to the newly formed mudflat conditions of the bay. This species is, therefore, recommended to use as a pioneer species to be planted in this area. However, for a successful planting, special care should be taken, particularly on planting techniques such as planting time, seedling age, seedling supporters, debris disposal and disease control.